Psalms 119:75

I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יָדַ֣עְתִּי

H3045

I know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

יְ֭הוָה

H3068

O LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

צֶ֣דֶק

H6664

are right

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

מִשְׁפָּטֶ֑יךָ

H4941

that thy judgments

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

וֶ֝אֱמוּנָ֗ה

H530

and that thou in faithfulness

literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity

עִנִּיתָֽנִי׃

H6031

hast afflicted

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

Analysis

The suffering and persecution theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of suffering and persecution within the theological tradition of Psalms Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on faith address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of faith differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding faith in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about suffering and persecution?